Shirley Porus was an incredible wife and mother. She had the ability to make friends effortlessly with her sweet smile. As her son, I was in constant awe of her. Her creativity, her loving acts of kindness, and her style and grace. She was an author, poet, songwriter, singer, fine artist. I would like to read her poem "Life is Sweet," it was published on August 28, 1994.

Life can truly be so sweet
when happiness and love you reap
from seeds of giving and taking sewn
and all life's adventures begin to unfold.

Trouble will no doubt exist
so, fight you must to fulfill your quest.
Enjoy each day as if the last,
forget about sadness long ago past.

You'll watch the sun light up the sky,
thrill at the sight of birds in flight,
feel warm breezes kiss your face,
the world is yours to just embrace.

So make the most of what "He" gave you.
Enjoy His Gifts - He'll not forsake you.
Hold tightly everything held dear.
Cherish each moment to banish all fear.

Yes, life can truly be so sweet.
Help it to happen 'till God you do meet!

When Mom and Dad moved to Southern California in 1993 to retire, they were looking forward to a new adventure. They bought a new home, made new friends and began enjoying their retirement. Then, five years later on November 11,1998 Mom had a massive stroke. In one split second, their lives took a different path. Dad tirelessly took care of my Mom for more than 11 years.

Mom had brain damage from her stroke and developed aphasia, which is a communication impairment. It effected her ability to express herself through both speech and writing. Mom also had physical challenges, but she continued to be flawless in putting on her make-up and dressing like a queen.

While growing up, I always assumed that Mom just woke up every morning looking perfect, I had no idea that she wore make-up because I never saw her without it. I guess that was one of those urban legends. Mom was always a perfectionist, about everything. She could spot a crumb on the floor or a hair out of place at 50 paces. I would tell her, "Mom, nothing is perfect." She would just give me a knowing smile.

One day, Phil and I gave her a silk plant for their house. The next time we were visiting, I noticed it wasn't around, so I asked her about it. She just looked down and walked towards the back of the house. When she came back, she had a stalk and 3 leaves and told us she was just trying to even out the leaves. Only Mom would prune a silk plant trying to make it perfect.

I am going to miss my Mom for many reasons, I was blessed to have the best, and to sweeten the pie, she made me laugh ... a lot.

I love you Mom.